The San Francisco 49ers are in the market for wide receivers.
Brandon Aiyuk's Week 1 availability is still uncertain after his torn ACL and MCL injury from last season. And the rest of the receiver room is being hit with plenty of its own injuries and additional setbacks.
Recently, the Niners reportedly missed out on making a trade with the Houston Texas to get John Metchie III, according to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz:
Sources: The #49ers were the other team trying to trade for John Metchie III. But the #Eagles made a better offer. https://t.co/LaoYmHIfqg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 17, 2025
Because of the 49ers seeking out new options at receiver, let's take a look at three options for whom San Francisco should make a trade.
Kendrick Bourne (Patriots)
The 49ers have plenty of history with the New England Patriots wide receiver. Bourne spent his first four seasons in San Francisco where he served in Jauan Jennings' original role of being the clutch third-down option. Bourne put up 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns off of 137 catches and was helpful in the 49ers' playoff run to Super Bowl LIV.
Bourne went on to sign with New England where he had a strong first season, putting up career-highs in both receptions and yards. He put up 800 yards and five touchdowns on 55 catches throughout the regular season. And in the playoffs, he had career-highs when the Patriots played against the Bills after posting 77 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches.
But, the last three seasons haven't been the same level of production. Including less yards each season — and last year — he had some of his lowest production since his rookie season.
Bourne could use a fresh start back where he started off his career. Especially, with the 49ers looking for another strong route runner who can make clutch catches when needed.
Elijah Moore (Bills)
The 25-year-old receiver was signed to the Buffalo Bills in the offseason. But during that time, the Niners expressed interest in signing the Ole Miss product.
Moore has served well as a versatile, young receiver throughout his first four seasons in the league. He's still put up reliable numbers despite the lack of consistently strong quarterback play. He's spent two seasons each with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. During that time, he put up 200 catches for 2,162 yards and nine touchdowns. And now, he finds himself on the Bills.
He finally gets a quarterback in Josh Allen who not only stay healthy, but has shown consistent production as a top quarterback in the league. But, Moore would be in a situation of "too many cooks in the kitchen" in Buffalo with having to share passes with receivers like Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer.
On the 49ers, with the current issue of injuries on the depth chart, Moore could impress enough to benefit from head coach Kyle Shanahan's system.
KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys)
After trading away Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders last March, the 49ers are without a do-it-all type of offensive weapon. However, one player who is making waves at training camp in many areas across the offense is Dallas Cowboys receiver, KaVontae Turpin.
Turpin is an All-Pro return man. Something the Niners have been missing for seasons now. He's coming off his best season as a receiver after catching 31 passes for 420 yards. And he's been a reliable weapon in the run game with 114 rushing yards off of 15 carries for two touchdowns since being drafted. And now, he's getting reps in with the first- and second-team units as a running back and receiver.
Last season, when Samuel was underperforming, the 49ers weren't able to have the same dynamic look they were known for the last few seasons. If San Francisco were to add a player, it could be someone who'd fit into the "wide back" role Samuel was known for.
It would cost a good amount to be able to get Turpin with his level of value. But it would help the 49ers get back to the same versatile offense that helped them become contenders in the league.